Karate: All-African Tang Soo Do Championship-Joint training session sets tone for real action |14 August 2009

Grandmaster Jae Chul Shin was present at the Roche Caïman community centre to follow the training session followed by Seychellois, South African, Zambian and Mozambican karatekas.

Founder of the World Tang Soo Do Association in 1982, grandmaster Shin flew in yesterday morning from Philadelphia, US.

Zambia, Mozambique and South Africa, who are represented by two clubs from Johannesburg and Pretoria – are fielding a combined 50 fighters, while a total of 103 come from host country Seychelles.

The local karatekas will come from the school’s four branches – Beau Vallon (headed by James Faure), Grand Anse (headed by Danny Emmanuel), Roche Caïman (headed by Dan Simara) and La Misere (headed by Jossy Canaya).

While Mozambicans and Zambians arrived yesterday afternoon, the South Africans have been here since Monday.

The one-day championship will start at 10am at the Palais des Sports and karatekas will compete in events ranging across all belt levels and all ages – featuring forms, sparring and weapons.
 
Six cups are up for grabs in the male and female under 13, under 15, under 18, and open black belt categories.

Speaking to Sports Nation yesterday, Seychelles Tang Soo Do chief Jossy Canaya was excited to see the karatekas in action.

“We are ready for the championship,” said Master Canaya.
“Now, we want to see some good action and fierce competition on the mat,” he added.

Spectators are asked to come and support local and foreign karatekas. Tickets cost R25.

G. G.